FIFA Probes South Korea's Football Hiring Controversy

FIFA has requested information from the South Korean Football Association regarding an investigation by the country's sports ministry into its hiring practices, particularly concerning the appointments of national team head coach Hong Myung-bo and ex-coach Juergen Klinsmann.

FIFA, the governing body of world soccer, has reached out to the South Korean Football Association (KFA) seeking information on a sports ministry investigation into its hiring practices. The ministry alleged the KFA violated its own hiring rules while appointing national team head coach Hong Myung-bo and former coach Juergen Klinsmann, with the inquiry results due by the end of October.

The KFA countered, stating it was unreasonable to assume any rule-breaking, mentioning the lack of detailed bylaws for appointing head coaches in various contexts. Hong, reappointed in July, defended his hiring, denying preferential treatment from the KFA.

FIFA's communication reminded the KFA of its responsibility to operate free from undue third-party influence, as per the global body's regulations. FIFA has previously penalized national associations from India, Pakistan, and Indonesia for similar interferences.

(With inputs from agencies.)